The Metropolitan Chapter | Mdina Cathedral Museum Archives

The Metropolitan Chapter

The Metropolitan Chapter of the Cathedral of Malta (Capitulum Metropolitanium – Melitense) is made up of 29 Canons, besides a number of Canon coadjutors and honorary canons. The Cathedral Chapter is responsible for the running and for the liturgy of two churches, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul at Mdina, which is also a Parish Church, and the Co-Cathedral Church of St. John in Valletta. The latter was formerly the Conventual Church of the Knights of St John, but when in 1798 Napoleon expelled the Order, St John’s Church was entrusted to the care of Cathedral Chapter and later raised to Co-Cathedral.

The members of the Cathedral Chapter are divided into two sections, one section serving at Mdina and the other in Valletta. The Cathedral Church is the seat where the bishop of Malta has his Cathedra.

The Cathedral Church of Mdina has a very long history. Count Roger of Normandy, who in 1090 conquered the Maltese islands from the Moors, reinstated the bishop at the Cathedral. In 1299 a new church dedicated to St. Paul was being constructed. The Church of St. John in Valletta has a much later origin; it was constructed by Grand Master La Cassiere in 1578 following the building of the city of Valletta after the Great Siege of 1565.

The Cathedral Chapter runs two important museums: the Cathedral Museum in Mdina and the St John’s Museum in Valletta, the latter jointly with the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation.

(Next to each Monsignor’s name is the respective date of appointment as Canon of the Cathedral)

For any queries please make use of the contact form below or use the contact details provided here: Contact Us

Organisational Chart

Metropolitan Chapter

President Archdeacon
Mgr Dr  Joseph Bajada, S.Th.B., M.S.Th., J.C.D.(Spec.Juris.), Cap.S.S. (23-01-2016)
Vice-President – Dean
Mgr Dr Edgar Vella S.Th.L., Ph.D. (28.01.2018)
Chancellor – Precentor
Mgr Prof. Hector Scerri B.A. Phil., S.Th.L., S.T.D. (28.01.2018)
Administrator Treasurer
Mgr Paul C. Vella,S.Th.L., J.C.L., Cap.S.S., S.M.O.M., Comm. S.S. (24-08-2021)
Archpriest
Mgr Claude Portelli, B.A., S.Th.L., SMOM

Monsignors

Mgr Joseph Galea Curmi, S.Th.D (14.08.2015), Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General
Mgr Joseph Bajada, S.Th.B., M.S.Th., J.C.D.(Spec Juris), Capp.S.S., President/Archdeacon (23.01.2016)
Mgr Prof. Hector Scerri, B.A. Phil., S.Th.B., S.Th.L., S.T.D., Chancellor/Precentor (28.01.2018)
Mgr Paul C. Vella, S.Th.B., S.Th.L., J.C.L., Capp.S.S., S.M.O.M., O.E.S.S.H., Administrator/Treasurer (24.08.2021)
Mgr Claude Portelli  B.A., S.Th.L., S.M.O.M, Archpriest (7.11.2023)

Mgr. Lawrence Cachia, Lic. D., Capp.S.S., S.M.O.M. (16.07.1994)
Mgr Alfred Xuereb (14.03.1998)
Mgr Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici, B.A., Lic.D., (26.07.2003)
Mgr Anton Vella BA., Lic.D., Dip. Trib. Eccl. Melit. (03.12.2005)
Mgr Joseph Bugeja B.A., Lic.D. (11.02.2007)
Mgr Tarcisio Delicata (11.02.2007)

Mgr Louis Camilleri, B.A., Lic.D. (11.02.2007)
Mgr Salvino Micallef B.A., Lic.D. (11.02.2007)
Mgr Carmelo Farrugia (11.02.2007)
Mgr Anton Gouder, S.Th.B., M.S.Th., M.A. Matr.C.L. & Juris (31.03.2009)
Mgr Lawrence Gatt B.A. Hons., Lic.D., J.C.D., M.O.M., Capp S.S. (29.11.2009)

Mgr Anton Cassar B.A., Lic.D., M.A. (21.09.2014)
Mgr Prof. George Grima B.A., Lic.D.,S.Th.D., M.A. (23.01.2016)
Mgr Charles Cordina, Capp.S.S. (23.01.2016)

Mgr Carmel Attard (23.01.2016)
Mgr Frans Abdilla S.Th.L. (23.01.2016)
Mgr Victor Zammit McKeon Capp S.S., S.M.O.M., O.E.S.S.H. (28.06.2016)
Mgr Joseph Brincat (28.01.2016)
Mgr Joseph Farrugia (28.01.2018)
Mgr Prof. Emanuel Agius M.S.Th., M.A., S.Th.D., M.Q.R. (28.01.2018)
Mgr Alfred Vella S.Th.L. (28.01.2018)
Mgr Edgar Vella S.Th.L., Ph.D. (28.01.2018)
Mgr Kalċidon Vassallo (14.08.2019)
Mgr Mario Tong (8.10.2021)

Coadjutor Monsignors

Mgr Dione Cutajar (14.08.2019)
Mgr Vincent Cachia (14.08.2019)
Mgr Alfred Camilleri B.A. Lic.D. (14.08.2019)
Mgr Lawrence Zammit M.S.Th. (14.08.2019)
Mgr Valentino Borg M.S.Th. (14.08.2019)
Mgr Jesmond Manicaro, S.Th.B., S.Th.L., S.L.D. (7.11.2023)

Ad honorem

Mgr Charles Abela
Mgr Victor Agius
Mgr Joseph Bartolo
Mgr Stefan Bonanno B.A., S.Th.B.
Mgr Norrie Bonavia, B.A., Lic.D.
Mgr Frans Bonnici, B.A., Lic.D., M.A., M.Phil., Kappillan tal-Q.T.
Mgr Joseph Borg (Qormi)
Mgr Michael Bugeja, B.A., S.Th.B.
Mgr Carmelo Camilleri, S.Th.Dip.
Mgr Mario Camilleri, M.S.Th., Kappillan tal-Q.T.
Mgr Evan Caruana, S.Th.B.
Mgr Mario Delmar, S.Th.L., S.T.L.
Mgr Joseph Ellul
Mgr Brendan Mark Gatt S.Th.B., J.C.L., Dip.Juris
Mgr Lino Grech, S.Th.Dip., J.C.L., Kappillan tal-Q.T.
Mgr Carmelo Mercieca, S.Th.B.
Mgr Martin Micallef, B.A., S.Th.L.
Mgr Nicholas Pace, S.Th.L.
Mgr Louis Suban, S.Th.L.

KKP – Consultative Council of the President

President
Mgr Dr Joseph Bajada
Vice-Persident
Mgr Dr Edgar Vella
Administrator
Mgr Paul C. Vella

Chancellor
Mgr Prof. Hector Scerri

KKM – Council of the Metropolitan Chapter

President
Mgr Dr Joseph Bajada
Vice-President
Mgr Dr Edgar Vella
Administrator
Mgr Paul C. Vella
Chancellor
Mgr Prof. Hector Scerri
General Secretary
Mrs Mariella Cutajar

Members
Dr Petra Caruana Dingli
Dr Rebecca Gatt
Mr John Gatt
Perit James Manduca

Museum Board

Chairman
Mgr Dr Edgar Vella
General Secretary
Mrs Mariella Cutajar

Members
Mr Josef Aquilina
Perit David Mallia
Mr Carmel Spiteri
Mr Joseph Borg
Ms Alessandra dee Crespo

Archives Board

Chairperson
Prof. Petra Caruana Dingli
Director / Secretary
Mr Mario Gauci
General Secretary
Ms Mariella Cutajar
Chapter’s Representative
Mgr Hector Scerri

Members
Prof. Stanley Firoini
Dr Rev Can Nicholas Joseph Doublet
Mr Mario Vincent Gauci

Cathedral

Chairperson
Mgr Claude Portelli
General Secretary
Mrs Mariella Cutajar

Members
Perit Edward Said
Mr Michele Tufigno’
Mr Michael Tabone
Ms Maria Navarro
Ms Francesca Balzan
Dr Mark Sagona

Palazzo De Piro

Chairperson
Mgr Paul C. Vella
General Secretary
Mrs Mariella Cutajar

Members
Mgr Dr Edgar Vella
Mgr Claude Portelli
Perit Daniel Xuereb

Mgr Dr Joseph Bajada

Mgr Dr Joseph Bajada, son of the late Anthony and late Theresa nee Buttigieg, was born in Msida, on the 28 July 1950. He received his primary education in a public school and later at the Lyceum. In 1975,he obtained a Bachelor in Sacred Theology, and in 1977, a Masters in Sacred Theology, from the University of Malta. He was ordained priest on the 19 June 1977. In 1979, he obtained his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.), at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. And in 1987 a Doctorate Summa cum Laude in Canon Law with Specialisation in Canonical Jurisprudence [J.C.D. (Spec. in Juris.)]. His thesis was published in its entirety in the Analecta Gregoriana, Rome, in 1988.

In 1981, he was appointed Defender of the Bond, on the Metropolitan Tribunal of Malta and a Judge between 1987 and 2001. Since December 2001, he has been the Judicial Vicar of the Regional Tribunal of Second Instance (Appeal Tribunal). Between 1983 and 2015, he lectured in Canon Law in the Faculty of Theology, at the University of Malta. He also established and directed the Diploma Course in Matrimonial Canon Law and Jurisprudence under the auspices of the Maltese Episcopal Conference (1992-2008). In 2009, this Course was developed in a Master of Arts in Matrimonial Canon Law & Jurisprudence, at the University of Malta, and he served for some years as its Co-Ordinator. During his teaching career, he was Tutor and Supervisor on various theses within the Faculties of Laws and Theology. Between 2006 and 2015 he was a Member on Response Team for the Investigation of Sexual Abuses (Maltese Episcopal Conference).

For a time he offered his pastoral services at the Gzira Parish Church, from where he passed on to the Immaculate Conception Parish at Hamrun, where he is up to this day.

In 1993, he was nominated Cappellano di Sua Santità, (Cap.S.S.), after serving on the Paritethical Commission that drafted the Agreement between the Holy See and the Republic of Malta on the recognition for civil effects of canonical marriage and canonical matrimonial cases.

In January 2016, he was nominated member of the Metropolitan Chapter.

Mgr Professor Hector Scerri

Mgr Professor Hector Scerri, from Santa Venera, born on 17 October 1965, received his primary education at Stella Maris School, Balzan (1969-1974), and his secondary education at St Aloysius’ College, Birkirkara (1974-1981). He later studied at Ġan Frangisk Abela Sixth Form (1981-1983). He entered the Archbishop’s Seminary in September 1984. Archbishop Joseph Mercieca ordained him deacon on 20 November 1991, and priest on 2 July 1993. He studied philosophy and theology at the Institute of Philosophy and Human Studies (Faculty of Theology, 1984-1987) and at the University of Malta (1988-1993).

After his ordination, he specialised in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1993-1998). In 1998, Archbishop Mercieca appointed him Vice-Rector of the Archbishop’s Seminary, Malta, a post he occupied for ten years. Since 1993, he has been offering his priestly duties in the parish of the Immaculate Conception, Hamrun.

Mgr Scerri has been a lecturer in Dogmatic Theology, University of Malta, since 1998. He was Head of the Department of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology (2001-2016); and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Theology (2015-2019). He was member of the Senate of the University of Malta (2013-2015). He also lectures at the Seminary of the Sacred Heart in Gozo, and at the Augustinian Institute and the Pastoral Formation Institute.

He is the Censor theologicus of the Archdiocese since 2000. He is also President of the Doctrinal Commission of the Maltese Episcopal Conference since 2008, and President of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission since 2008. He was Chairperson of the Malta Ecumenical Council from 2014 to 2022.

Pope Francis appointed him Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity in 2014. He is the Founder-President of the Maltese Patristics Society (2015). The Holy See named him Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need, Malta (2017).

Archbishop Scicluna created him member of the Metropolitan Chapter on 28 January 2018. Since January 2022, he occupies the office of Chancellor of the Chapter, and since November 2022, he is its Precentor.

He is a member of various international societies. He has delivered peer-reviewed papers at Oxford, Durham, Rome, Paris, Helsinki, Strasbourg and Heidelberg. He has authored or edited fourteen books and has published over sixty articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Mgr Paul Carmel Vella – Administrator, Treasurer and Rector of St John’s Co-Cathedral

Monsignor Vella, born on September 23, 1961, from Siggiewi, received his formation for priesthood at the Archbishop’s Seminary Tal-Virtù, Rabat, and continued his studies at the Faculty of Theology, University of Malta. He was ordained as Deacon on December 3rd 1986, and ordained to Priesthood on Friday 8th July 1988. Monsignor Vella was appointed personal secretary and chaplain to former Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, he was also nominated Delegate for the Liturgy in the Archdiocese, and Master of Ceremonies both of the Metropolitan Chapter and for the whole Archdiocese. He furthered his studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University, in Rome (1995 – 1997) and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, in Rome (2013 – 2016). From 1997 till 2001, Mgr Paul Carmel Vella served as the Defender of the Bond at the Metropolitan Tribunal of First Instance, and on November 1st 2001 he was nominated by His Grace the Archbishop as Judge at the said Tribunal. In 2016 he was nominated Chaplain at St Peter’s Monastery in Mdina and in December 2017 created Provost-Archpriest of the Saint Helen’s Collegiate in Birkirkara. 

On January 25th 2007, he was created Chaplain of His Holiness the Pope with the title of Monsignor. In 2010, the Order of Malta nominated Mgr. Vella Chaplain of Magistral Grace (2010) and Conventual Chaplain in 2012. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre created Mgr. Vella as Knight Cleric in 2019 and in 2022 was elevated to the rank of Commendatore.   

On the 1st of September 2021, Mgr Vella was nominated Rector of St John’s Co-Cathedral, and member of the Council of the Foundation of St John’s Co-Cathedral, as well as Judge of First Instance for the Diocese of Gozo. On the 6th December he was created Rector of Our Lady of Victories Proto-Church in Valletta. It was on the 7th February 2023, during the monthly ordinary meeting of the Metropolitan Chapter, that Mgr Vella was elected Administrator and Treasurer of the same Metropolitan Chapter.

Mgr. Claude Portelli  B.A., S.Th.L.

Mgr Claude Portelli son of Peter Paul and Tania nee Naudi from Sliema, was born on the 6th of August 1975. He is the eldest son of four siblings and an uncle to three nephews and a niece. He received his Primary and Secondary education at St. Edward’s College in Vittoriosa. In 1994 Mgr Portelli started his studies at the University of Malta reading for his Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian and Philosophy. He started his seminary formation years in 1995 at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtu’, Rabat. In 2001 Mgr Portelli graduated in his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta. He pursued his studies in Pastoral Theology and received his licentiate degree in 2003. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca on the 28th July 2002.

Throughout his first years of priesthood, Mgr Portelli was assigned various duties in the Archdiocese of Malta. In 2002 and 2003 he assisted the parish priest at the Assumption of Our Lady Parish Church, Ghaxaq. In 2003 until 2009 he was appointed Assistant Parish Priest at St. Julian Parish, St Julian’s. On 21 st July 2003 Archbishop Paul Cremona appointed Mgr Portelli parish priest of the same parish of St Julians. A post he retained until June 2022.

On the 8 th January 2023 Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna appointed Mgr. Claude Portelli as his first delegate for culture with the mission to pursue the path of dialogue between the Church in Malta and the field of Culture. At the same time he was also appointed director of the Catholic Institute in Floriana with the responsibility of regenerating the building into a centre for the arts and culture. Mgr Portelli still occupies this post to date.

In February 2023 Mgr Portelli was appointed effective Canon at the Collegiate Parish Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta. In November of the same year Archbishop Scicluna appointed Mgr Claude Portelli as Coadjutor Monsignor for the Metropolitan Chapter. In February 2024 he was also asked to become one of the Magistral Chaplains of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and St John (SMOM)

In June 2024, Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna appointed Mgr Claude Portelli Archpriest of St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina.

Mariella Cutajar

Ms Cutajar has previously occupied roles in Human Resources, Finance, Quality and Production at Playmobil Malta Ltd and Lufthansa Technik Malta Ltd. She was appointed administrator by the ‘Kumitat Tmexxija Ġenerali’ (KTG) which is a committee assisting the Metropolitan Chapter in managing and administering the three entities mentioned above. Ms Cutajar studied Management at the University of Malta.

In January 2023 Ms Mariella Cutajar assumed the role as the General Secretary for Mdina Cathedral, Museum and the Archives. In the past 8 years, Ms Cutajar has set various Standard Operating Procedures to ensure a smooth running of the various operations within the entities. She was also instrumental in building  a workforce instilling dedication, passion and flexibility.  Together with the input of the 3 Managerial Boards, major projects were carried out such as: the restoration of the cupola and  the Apside of the Cathedral, (The Apside being restored via the EU Funding), the  opening of new halls within the Museum together with the restoration of  various artifacts, and also the set up of a new Library at the Archives.

The new role of Ms Cutajar shall also present its challenges. She will ensure that the 3 entities shall keep up with the ongoing changes to preserve our  showcases of culture and heritage  and make sure that they are  known to the many artists, researchers, students and the local public in general, together with the tourists that visit our islands.

Natasha Farrugia

Natasha Farrugia was awarded the National “Worker of the Year” award in 2005. She specialises in management and administration with experience in accounting, debt collection, sales and marketing, customer care and logistics. Her work experience initiated in the Printing Industry followed by the Tourism Industry and English Language schools. Natasha Farrugia spent 24 years working for private entities reaching goals and targets, ensuring that the business has a structure, which works well for both management and employees alike. Natasha started working at MISSIO Malta in December 2016 or as it is widely known, the Pontifical Mission Society, an NGO run by the Catholic Church with its head office based at the Vatican. She was appointed as Events and Volunteer Coordinator; planning and implementing a fundraising yearly calendar including logistics while being mindful of keeping a low marketing budget.  She was instrumental in yearly fundraising events such as the televised 12-hour Marathon and the Summer BBQ amongst others. Natasha was also instrumental in building a network of volunteers for tasks required by management (this included guiding and monitoring). Other tasks included identifying and approaching potential business partners including shops/ company owners and elderly homes. She also was managing the mission bazaar including collection of items from households.

In September 2022, she was appointed by the Metropolitan Chapter as Administration Clerk. In 2024 she was promoted to Administrative Assistant and in 2025 her duties and responsibilities increased and she assumed the role of Personal Assistant to the Administrator of the Chapter, Secretary to the Chapter’s Administrative Council and to the Rector of St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Although her responsibilities vary from secretarial to administration and accounts, she takes pride in being the Chapter’s aid in anything, which the Chapter needs.

Contact Us

For any queries please make use of the following contact or by filling in the form provided:

The Metropolitan Chapter

Administrator’s Office

St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John Street, Valletta VLT1156

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 – 16:00hrs
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Tel. +356 21 239582

Email: adminoffice@metropolitanchapter.com